Fremantle vs Adelaide AFL Community Shield Preview 2026

Jeremy Darke

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Last updated: Fri 27 Feb 2026 09:30

Jeremy Darke 27 Feb 2026

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Fremantle vs Adelaide Preview
Fremantle and Adelaide test depth in AFL Community Shield amid key absences.
Fremantle focuses on midfield strength; Adelaide aims for consistency.
Both teams will refine defensive strategies with notable players missing.

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Fremantle vs Adelaide Preview (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

Fremantle vs Adelaide Preview

Fremantle and Adelaide meet at Rushton Park in a Saturday afternoon AFL Community Shield clash.

Fremantle vs Adelaide Preview
Fremantle
Fremantle Squad
Adelaide
Adelaide Squad

Both clubs are managing significant absences as they fine tune preparations for the season ahead. The match offers an opportunity to test depth and midfield structure under match conditions.

Fremantle

Fremantle enter 2026 looking to build on a competitive campaign, with expectations rising around their midfield core. Caleb Serong and Andrew Brayshaw remain central to their contested identity, while Luke Jackson’s versatility gives them flexibility around stoppages.

Defensive stability has been a pre season talking point, particularly with key personnel unavailable.

The absence of Alex Pearce and Brennan Cox leaves their backline lighter on experience, placing added responsibility on younger defenders.

Sean Darcy’s managed workload shifts the ruck balance toward Jackson in this fixture. This line up will be focused on defensive cohesion and forward efficiency as they sharpen combinations before Opening Round.

Fremantle Squad

B: H.Chapman 5 O.McDonald 21 H.Davies 12

HB: J.Clark 6 K.Worner 23 J.McVee 17

C: J.O'Meara 2 C.Serong 3 C.Wagner 34

HF: M.Frederick 32 M.Reid 16 S.Bolton 10

F: J.Amiss 24 J.Treacy - C 35 P.Voss 20

Foll: L.Jackson 9 A.Brayshaw 8 H.Young 26

I/C: T.Murray 11 M.Cox 18 N.Erasmus 28 N.O'Driscoll 30 B.Walker 31 J.Draper 37 I.Dudley 43 M.Johnson 44

Emerg: L.Ryan 13 J.Sharp 14 B.Banfield 41 C.Scerri 45

Notable absentees: Luke Ryan, Alex Pearce, Brennan Cox, Sean Darcy, Sam Switkowski, Jeremy Sharp

Adelaide

Adelaide head into 2026 aiming to consolidate their rise and add consistency to their ball movement. Injuries have shaped their preparation, with several key contributors sidelined across all lines.

The midfield leadership of Jordan Dawson remains pivotal, while the forward mix is built around Taylor Walker and Riley Thilthorpe.

The ruck call has been a notable discussion point, with Lachlan McAndrew leading the role in this match.

Defensive structure will rely on Jordan Butts and Josh Worrell to provide stability amid absences. This line up offers the Crows a chance to test depth and maintain their transition game under competitive conditions.

Adelaide Squad

B: H.Bond 21 J.Worrell 24 J.Butts 41

HB: R.Laird 29 N.Murray 9 W.Milera 30

C: C.Jones 1 J.Dawson - C 12 L.Nankervis 27

HF: L.Pedlar 10 R.Thilthorpe 7 A.Neal-Bullen 28

F: D.Fogarty 32 T.Walker 13 B.Keays 2

Foll: L.McAndrew 42 C.Edwards 11 J.Rachele 8

I/C: B.Cook 15 Z.Taylor 19 J.Borlase 35 B.Dowling 31 T.Murray 39 L.Sholl 38 M.Marsh 26 M.Michalanney 16

Emerg: O.Ryan 22 A.Ludowyke 34 R.O'Brien 43 F.Maley 36

Notable absentees: Callum Ah Chee, Reilly O’Brien, Izak Rankine, Isaac Cumming, Mitch Hinge, Jake Soligo, Sam Berry, James Peatling, Mark Keane, Dan Curtin